Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 2, 2025

Author Spotlight: Efficacy of Auricular Pressure Bean Therapy in Reducing Wheezing Symptoms
02:34

Author Spotlight: Efficacy of Auricular Pressure Bean Therapy in Reducing Wheezing Symptoms

Published on: May 10, 2024

1.1K

Chronic Esophageal Foreign Body Presenting as Wheezing and Cough in a Toddler

Traci Kazmerski1, Kavita Dedhia2, Raymond Maguire2

  • 1Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy, and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology
|August 4, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Chronic esophageal foreign bodies in children often present with vague respiratory symptoms, complicating diagnosis. This case highlights a rare instance where a foreign body caused severe tracheal narrowing and required surgical removal.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Pediatric Surgery

Background:

  • Chronic esophageal foreign bodies are infrequently documented in pediatric populations.
  • Vague respiratory symptoms frequently mask esophageal foreign body presence, challenging diagnosis.
  • Delayed diagnosis can lead to severe complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the diagnostic and management challenges of a chronic esophageal foreign body in a pediatric patient.
  • To highlight the potential for esophageal foreign bodies to cause significant airway compromise.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a 2-year-old girl with chronic respiratory symptoms.
  • Diagnostic workup included joint bronchoscopy and esophagoscopy, and chest computed tomography.
  • Surgical intervention via thoracotomy for foreign body removal.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with persistent cough and wheezing unresponsive to treatment.
  • Esophagoscopy revealed severe inflammation and a foreign body embedded in the esophageal wall.
  • Computed tomography confirmed inflammation between the esophagus and trachea.
  • Successful foreign body removal was achieved through thoracotomy.

Conclusions:

  • Esophageal foreign bodies should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric patients with unexplained respiratory symptoms.
  • A multidisciplinary approach involving pulmonology and surgery is crucial for effective management.
  • Prompt diagnosis and intervention are essential to prevent severe airway complications.

More Related Videos

Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children04:55

Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children

Published on: September 11, 2018

10.9K
Author Spotlight: Investigating the Pathophysiology of Eosinophilic Esophagitis03:23

Author Spotlight: Investigating the Pathophysiology of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Published on: May 10, 2024

896

Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction01:30

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
253
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation01:17

Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation

In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...
1.8K
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
155
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management01:29

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a persistent medical condition that affects many individuals worldwide. Its clinical manifestations can vary greatly, making diagnosis and management challenging for healthcare professionals. The following is a comprehensive overview of the clinical manifestations, assessment, and management strategies for GERD.
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
143
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
2.8K
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
2.6K